Media: Kim Jong-un heads to China by armoured train for Beijing parade Meeting with Putin, Xi anticipated

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has departed Pyongyang aboard his special armoured train, en route to China to attend a major military parade in Beijing.

The visit marks his first appearance on the multilateral diplomatic stage, with a potential trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping also possible, Caliber.Az reports, citing Yonhap.

The journey, taking roughly 20 to 24 hours, is expected to see Kim arrive in Beijing by September 2, where he will stay at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, used during his previous visits.

China plans to hold a 70-minute parade on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, featuring its latest military hardware and troops in formation.

State media reported that Kim inspected a newly completed missile production line at a major munitions factory, reviewing North Korea’s missile capabilities and output.

The parade will be attended by leaders from 26 countries, including Kim and Putin. During the event, Kim is expected to sit to the left of Xi, with Putin on Xi’s right. A trilateral summit on the sidelines is also possible, which would be the first meeting of the three leaders since the Cold War.

Analysts say Kim’s trip signals a focus on strengthening ties with China and Russia while positioning North Korea strategically ahead of potential future negotiations with the US.

By Aghakazim Guliyev